Ex-Thompson spokesman speaks...

From NBC's Mike Viqueira...and he doesn't mince his words. On the very day Thompson begins his official announcement tour, former spokesman Jim Mills, who left the campaign earlier in the week, joked about his short-lived experience there: "About the only people who haven't worked in the Thompson press shop this summer are Larry Craig and that woman astronaut who wore those diapers cross country."

More from Mills, who previously was FOX's chief congressional producer. "I am currently checking in with my Catholic friends to see if they can recommend any local priests who still perform exorcisms." Our perspective here is that Mills -- through the humor -- is trying to show that he's bloodied but not bowed after leaving the campaign.

NBC News also has learned that Thompson communications adviser Mark Corallo has left the campaign.